Three infectious agents have recently gained considerable interest as potential pathogens
in atherosclerosis and in its clinical manifestations: herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus,
and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Chronic and often asymptomatic infections with these agents
occur widely in the general population. These pathogens may affect atherosclerosis either
directly or indirectly. Direct effects on vascular wall cells might include cell lysis,
transformation, lipid accumulation, proinflammatory changes, and augmentation of …